Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (491) — points-tested migration

Researched from official sources · May 18, 2026

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (491) — points-tested migration

Estimated time

Skills assessment 8–20 weeks; English test typically 1–3 weeks from booking to result; SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) submission immediate; invitation wait 0–24 months depending on points score, occupation, and quarterly round timing; 60-day strict window from invitation to lodgement; subclass 189 (Points-tested) Department decision typically 3 months for the fastest quartile, 12–15 months for the slowest decile; subclass 491 state-nomination decisions add a further 6 weeks to 6 months before SkillSelect invitation

Cost

Visa application charge from A$4,910 for the primary applicant (effective 1 July 2025), with additional-applicant charges of approximately A$2,455 per adult and A$1,230 per dependent child; skills assessment A$500–A$1,500+ depending on assessing authority; ancillary costs (English test, health examinations, police certificates) typically add A$700–A$1,200

What You Need

Tap to check off items as you gather them

Additional Items

  • Sponsor's evidence (subclass 491 family-sponsored route only) — Australian citizenship/PR/eligible NZ citizen status, evidence of usual residence in a designated regional area, Form 1483 sponsorship application, and Form 491FS statutory declaration
  • State nomination Registration of Interest (subclass 491 state-nominated route only) — submitted through the relevant state portal (Live in Melbourne, business.nsw.gov.au, migration.qld.gov.au, migration.wa.gov.au, migration.tas.gov.au, migration.sa.gov.au, act.gov.au/migration, theterritory.com.au) in addition to the federal EOI
  • Professional Year completion certificate — 5 points for completing an Australian Professional Year in accounting, engineering, computer science, or IT after qualifying as a graduate; programs run 44+ weeks
  • NAATI accreditation — 5 points for accreditation as a translator or interpreter at Paraprofessional level or higher in a non-English language
  • Subclass 191 transition evidence (for 491 holders applying onward) — three consecutive years of taxable income at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900 as of 2025-26) while living, working, and (where applicable) studying in a designated regional area; income tax returns from the ATO are the operative evidence
  • Tax File Number application via the ATO Individual Auto Registration — to apply soon after arrival or grant; without a TFN, employer tax withholding defaults to approximately 47%
  • Cross-platform context — once the visa is granted, the TFN (ATO) connects to superannuation fund choice, the Medicare card (Services Australia) is issued to eligible permanent residents, and Centrelink registration may apply for some payments after the relevant residence period

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Confirm your occupation is on the Skilled occupation list and identify the assessing authority

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Search the Department of Home Affairs Skilled occupation list by ANZSCO four-digit unit-group code or occupation title
    2. For subclass 189, confirm the occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
    3. For subclass 491 state nomination, also check the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the relevant state's own occupation list (e.g. the NSW Skills List, the Queensland Skilled Occupation List)
    4. Identify the assessing authority listed alongside your occupation — common authorities are ACS (ICT), Engineers Australia (engineering), VETASSESS (general professional and trade), CPA Australia or CA ANZ (accountancy), AHPRA (regulated health), TRA (trades)

    💡 Tip: Where your occupation appears on more than one list, the most generous list for your intended visa is the one to rely on. State-specific occupation lists are an additional filter for 491 state nomination — they narrow rather than expand the federal MLTSSL/STSOL coverage.

    Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation list (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗) Department of Home Affairs — Skills assessment assessing authorities (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗)
  2. 2

    Apply for and obtain a positive skills assessment

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Apply directly to the relevant assessing authority — the application is submitted to the authority, not to the Department of Home Affairs
    2. Pay the skills-assessment fee, typically between A$500 and A$1,500 depending on authority and occupation
    3. Submit qualifications evidence, work-experience evidence, and any practical-test materials the authority requires
    4. Allow 8 to 20 weeks for the result depending on authority and complexity — for example ACS for ICT occupations typically 8 to 12 weeks, Engineers Australia 12 to 16 weeks, VETASSESS 12 to 20 weeks
    5. Receive a positive skills assessment; keep the reference number — you will enter it in the SkillSelect EOI

    ⚠️ Watch out: If the assessment outcome is unsuitable, identify the basis for the unfavourable finding and consider re-applying after addressing the gap (additional qualifications, additional supervised work experience, practical-test re-sit). The cost of a second assessment is comparable to the first.

  3. 3

    Book and sit an approved English test

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Book one of the approved tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET
    2. Aim for the highest realistic band score — Competent at IELTS 6.0 each band attracts zero points, Proficient at IELTS 7.0 each band attracts 10 points, Superior at IELTS 8.0 each band attracts 20 points
    3. Receive the result and verify it is valid for at least the expected period to invitation (three years from test date)

    💡 Tip: Re-sitting the English test for a higher band is the most accessible single-step points lift available to most applicants. The cost of a re-sit (A$340–A$420) is far lower than the points value of moving from Competent to Proficient or Superior — and the time investment is weeks, not the years required for additional skilled employment or Australian study.

  4. 4

    Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Create a free ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs portal
    2. Within ImmiAccount, open SkillSelect and start a new Expression of Interest
    3. Enter all points-bearing claims accurately: age points, English language points, overseas skilled employment, Australian skilled employment, educational qualifications, Australian study, regional study, Specialist Education Qualification, Professional Year, Credentialled Community Language (NAATI), and partner skill
    4. Select the visa subclass(es) of interest — subclass 189, subclass 491 (state-nominated or family-sponsored), or both
    5. Submit the EOI free of charge; receive an acknowledgement in ImmiAccount

    💡 Tip: The Department's view on EOI maintenance: 'EOIs must be updated when circumstances change, including English test results, work experience, qualifications, family composition, and nominated occupation; failure to update results in inaccurate points and rejection at processing.' Treat the EOI as a living record — update it promptly on any points-affecting change.

    Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect Expression of Interest (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗)
  5. 5

    Obtain state/territory nomination or family sponsorship (subclass 491 only)

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    Subclass 491 applicants only — skip if applying for subclass 189
    1. For the state-nomination route: submit a Registration of Interest through the relevant state portal in addition to the federal EOI — Live in Melbourne (Victoria), business.nsw.gov.au (NSW), migration.qld.gov.au (Queensland), migration.wa.gov.au (Western Australia), migration.sa.gov.au (South Australia), migration.tas.gov.au (Tasmania), act.gov.au/migration (ACT), or theterritory.com.au (Northern Territory)
    2. Each state applies its own occupation list, minimum work-experience threshold, residency rule, and priority sectors; state nomination is competitive and ROI rounds may close to new applications when allocation fills
    3. For the family-sponsorship route: an eligible family member (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged at least 18, living in a designated regional area) completes Form 1483 sponsorship application and Form 491FS statutory declaration
    4. Wait for the state nomination decision (typically 6 weeks to 6 months) or for the family sponsorship to be lodged through SkillSelect
    5. State nomination adds 15 points to the SkillSelect EOI

    ⚠️ Watch out: NSW closed Pathway 1 (working in regional NSW) and Pathway 3 (regional study) to new applications for the 2025-26 program year after demand exceeded allocation; Pathway 2 (invitation-only) remains the operative option. Other states have variable allocation pressure. Where the preferred state has closed its preferred pathway, an alternative state, an alternative pathway within the same state, or the family-sponsorship route may be open.

    Live in Melbourne — 2025-26 Skilled visa nomination program (liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au ↗) NSW Government — Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) (nsw.gov.au ↗)
  6. 6

    Receive an invitation to apply

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Invitations are issued through SkillSelect — quarterly rounds for the 2025-26 program year with tiered occupation prioritisation
    2. For subclass 189 Points-tested: the federal Department issues the invitation directly to candidates with the highest EOI scores in each occupation, subject to per-round allocation
    3. For subclass 491 state-nominated: the invitation is issued through SkillSelect on behalf of the nominating state after the state has decided the nomination
    4. For subclass 491 family-sponsored: the invitation is issued through SkillSelect after the family sponsorship is processed
    5. Receive the invitation by email and within ImmiAccount; the invitation specifies the 60-day lodgement window
  7. 7

    Lodge the full visa application within 60 days of invitation

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Within ImmiAccount, open the invitation and start the visa application
    2. Pay the visa application charge — A$4,910 for the primary applicant, plus approximately A$2,455 per additional adult and A$1,230 per dependent child
    3. Upload all required documents — passport, skills assessment, English test result, civil-status documents, police certificates, work-experience evidence, qualification evidence, Form 80, Form 1221, and (where applicable) partner skills evidence
    4. Submit the application before the 60-day window closes

    ⚠️ Watch out: Late lodgement causes the invitation to lapse. The applicant must wait for a fresh invitation in a subsequent round, with no guarantee a fresh invitation will be issued. Where a document is genuinely delayed, notify the Department in writing within the window and seek a brief extension where genuine hardship applies.

  8. 8

    Complete health examinations and police checks

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Receive a Health Examinations List (HAP ID) from the Department after lodgement, generated through eMedical
    2. Book health examinations with an approved panel physician — Bupa Medical Visa Services in most countries — and attend the examination
    3. The panel physician uploads results electronically; no paperwork transfer by the applicant is required
    4. Submit police clearance certificates for each country of 12+ months residence in the past 10 years; some certificates have a 12-month freshness window

    💡 Tip: Public Interest Criterion 4007 governs health. Where the applicant has a known significant health history, request a health-waiver assessment early to surface any concern before the standard examination.

  9. 9

    Receive the Department's decision

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. The Department processes the application — 25% of subclass 189 (Points-tested) applications are decided in approximately 3 months, 50% in approximately 4–5 months, 75% in approximately 7–9 months, 90% in approximately 12–15 months
    2. Onshore applicants typically receive faster decisions than offshore applicants
    3. On grant: the Department issues a visa grant notification through ImmiAccount with the visa start date, conditions, and travel facility
    4. For subclass 189: permanent residency commences on grant; the travel facility allows multiple re-entry for five years, after which a Resident Return Visa is needed
    5. For subclass 491: provisional residency for five years subject to condition 8579 (live, work, and where applicable study in a designated regional area)

    ⚠️ Watch out: On refusal, the applicant has generally 28 days from the decision to lodge an application for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025; a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds and a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Alternatively the applicant can submit a fresh EOI and reapply — both options carry the same visa application charge and require addressing the basis for the original refusal.

  10. 10

    Comply with conditions and plan onward residency

    Expat New Arrival Resident
    1. Apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO Individual Auto Registration soon after arrival or grant — without a TFN, employer tax withholding defaults to approximately 47%
    2. Open a superannuation fund account and notify the employer of the fund choice
    3. For eligible permanent residents on subclass 189: apply for a Medicare card with Services Australia
    4. For subclass 491 holders: maintain residence, work, and (where applicable) study in the nominating state's designated regional area for the full five-year period; record evidence (lease, employment, tax returns) for the eventual subclass 191 application
    5. For onward subclass 191 application: after three consecutive years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900 as of 2025-26), lodge the subclass 191 Skilled Regional permanent visa application

    💡 Tip: Keep the visa grant notification, all evidence of regional residence and skilled employment, and ATO income tax returns for at least three years — these are the operative evidence base for both the subclass 191 onward application and for any future citizenship-by-conferral application.

What Could Go Wrong

Skills assessment expires before invitation arrives: Skills assessments are typically valid for three years from issue. Applicants who pace the rest of the process too slowly — or who submit the EOI immediately on receipt of the skills assessment without budgeting for a long invitation wait — find the assessment expires before invitation, invalidating the EOI.

Recovery: Refresh the skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority before the three-year mark if invitation has not arrived. Update the EOI with the new assessment date. Where the assessment process is materially shorter on second assessment (some authorities use streamlined renewal pathways), budget the renewal lead time against the EOI validity calendar.

English test result expires between EOI submission and invitation: English test results expire three years from test date. An expired result invalidates the EOI for any invitation issued after expiry.

Recovery: Re-sit the English test before the three-year mark if invitation has not arrived. Update the EOI with the new test date. A re-sit is often also an opportunity to lift the band score from Competent to Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points) — frequently the single most accessible way to lift the EOI above the competitive threshold.

60-day window after invitation missed: Late lodgement of the full visa application after invitation causes the invitation to lapse. The applicant must wait for a new invitation in a subsequent round, with no guarantee of a fresh invitation.

Recovery: Have all documents (police certificates, civil-status documents, employer references, partner skills evidence, Forms 80 and 1221) ready at EOI submission, not at invitation. Treat the 60-day window as a buffer, not a deadline. Where a document is delayed (e.g. a country-issued police certificate), notify the Department in writing within the window and seek a brief extension where genuine hardship applies.

Partner-skill points claimed without meeting requirements: Claiming 10 partner-skill points requires the partner to be under 45, hold a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list, and have Competent English. Claiming the 10 points based on partner education or work experience alone is invalid and is a frequent cause of refusal.

Recovery: Verify each leg of the partner-skill test against the partner's actual evidence before submitting the EOI. Where the partner does not meet the skills-assessment requirement but has Competent English, claim the 5-point alternative. Where the partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, claim the 10-point alternative on that basis. Where no partner is included, claim the 10-point single-applicant alternative.

State nomination treated as invitation: Receiving a state nomination is necessary but not sufficient for subclass 491 — the formal invitation to apply is issued through SkillSelect on behalf of the state. Applicants sometimes lodge a visa application before the SkillSelect invitation arrives; such applications are invalid.

Recovery: Wait for the formal SkillSelect invitation before lodging. State nomination notification typically arrives by email from the state nominating body; the SkillSelect invitation arrives separately through ImmiAccount. Lodgement is valid only after the SkillSelect invitation.

Subclass 491 holder lives outside the nominating state's designated regional area: Subclass 491 visa condition 8579 requires living, working, and (where applicable) studying in the nominating state's designated regional area. Moving to another state's regional area (e.g. nominated by Victoria but living in regional Queensland) breaches the visa condition and may result in visa cancellation.

Recovery: Plan housing and employment in the nominating state's designated regional area for the full duration of the 491. Where a move is necessary for documented family or employment reasons, seek migration legal advice before relocating — the consequences for the subclass 191 onward pathway can be severe.

Health examination identifies a significant unresolved condition: Public Interest Criterion 4007 governs health. Significant unresolved health conditions can defeat an otherwise successful application; the cost of likely future treatment in Australia is one factor the Department weighs.

Recovery: Where the applicant has a known significant health history, request a health-waiver assessment early — before lodging if practical. Some PIC 4007 outcomes are reviewable; specialist migration advice is appropriate for applicants in this category.

EOI score and underlying claims drift apart over time: The EOI is a static record of points claims at submission. Changes in circumstance — turning 45, a partner reaching 45, a skills assessment expiring, an English test result expiring, a new qualification, a new period of skilled employment — can change the actual score from the recorded score, invalidating an invitation issued on the basis of outdated points claims.

Recovery: Update the EOI in SkillSelect promptly whenever a points-affecting circumstance changes. Treat EOI maintenance as an ongoing obligation, not a one-time submission. The Department's view: 'EOIs must be updated when circumstances change, including English test results, work experience, qualifications, family composition, and nominated occupation; failure to update results in inaccurate points and rejection at processing.'

Costs

Item Amount Payment Notes
Visa application charge — primary applicant (subclass 189 Points-tested or subclass 491) A$4,910 Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement Effective 1 July 2025 following the annual 3% CPI indexation. The next indexation is scheduled for 1 July 2026.
Additional applicant charge — partner or dependant aged 18 and over A$2,455 Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement, payable per additional adult Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
Additional applicant charge — dependent child under 18 A$1,230 Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement, payable per dependent child Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
Second instalment — payable before grant where English-language shortfall applies A$4,890 Credit card via ImmiAccount on issue of the Second Instalment Notice Approximate figure; payable where the primary applicant or a family member has a Functional English shortfall under the Migration Regulations.
Expression of Interest submission via SkillSelect A$0 Free — submitted through ImmiAccount The EOI is not a visa application — there is no charge. The visa application charge applies only after invitation and at the time of lodgement.
English language test (IELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT / OET) A$340–A$420 Paid to the approved test provider at booking Range varies by provider and country of test centre. Re-sitting for a higher band is the most common way to add 10 or 20 points to an EOI score.
Health examination — single adult, panel physician A$300–A$500 Paid to the panel physician (typically Bupa Medical Visa Services) after HAP ID issuance Per-person cost; dependants and partner are each examined separately. Some additional tests (chest X-ray, HIV test, hepatitis screening) may apply by age, intended stay duration, or country of residence.
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) application fee — review of a refused decision A$3,580 Paid to the ART at time of lodging the review application Effective 1 July 2025 (previously A$3,496). A 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds; a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Time limit for lodging is generally 28 days from the date of the refusal decision.
Visa application charge — primary applicant (subclass 189 Points-tested or subclass 491) A$4,910
Payment:
Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement
Notes:
Effective 1 July 2025 following the annual 3% CPI indexation. The next indexation is scheduled for 1 July 2026.
Additional applicant charge — partner or dependant aged 18 and over A$2,455
Payment:
Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement, payable per additional adult
Notes:
Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
Additional applicant charge — dependent child under 18 A$1,230
Payment:
Credit card via ImmiAccount at time of lodgement, payable per dependent child
Notes:
Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
Second instalment — payable before grant where English-language shortfall applies A$4,890
Payment:
Credit card via ImmiAccount on issue of the Second Instalment Notice
Notes:
Approximate figure; payable where the primary applicant or a family member has a Functional English shortfall under the Migration Regulations.
Expression of Interest submission via SkillSelect A$0
Payment:
Free — submitted through ImmiAccount
Notes:
The EOI is not a visa application — there is no charge. The visa application charge applies only after invitation and at the time of lodgement.
English language test (IELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT / OET) A$340–A$420
Payment:
Paid to the approved test provider at booking
Notes:
Range varies by provider and country of test centre. Re-sitting for a higher band is the most common way to add 10 or 20 points to an EOI score.
Health examination — single adult, panel physician A$300–A$500
Payment:
Paid to the panel physician (typically Bupa Medical Visa Services) after HAP ID issuance
Notes:
Per-person cost; dependants and partner are each examined separately. Some additional tests (chest X-ray, HIV test, hepatitis screening) may apply by age, intended stay duration, or country of residence.
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) application fee — review of a refused decision A$3,580
Payment:
Paid to the ART at time of lodging the review application
Notes:
Effective 1 July 2025 (previously A$3,496). A 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds; a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Time limit for lodging is generally 28 days from the date of the refusal decision.
Total: A$17,705

FAQ

General

What's the difference between subclass 189 and subclass 491?

Subclass 189 (Points-tested) is a permanent residence visa — the holder, partner, and dependants can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely from grant. Subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa requiring the holder to live, work, and (where applicable) study in a designated regional area; after three years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900 as of 2025-26), the holder can apply for subclass 191 permanent residence. The 491 also requires state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship; the 189 does not. State nomination adds 15 points to the 491 EOI, which often lifts the score above the competitive threshold for applicants whose stand-alone points would not be invited under the 189 stream.

What's the pass mark on the points test and what's the realistic competitive score?

65 is the minimum score required to submit an Expression of Interest — it does not guarantee or strongly imply an invitation. In practice, invitation cut-offs in most occupations sit between 80 and 95+ points. Applicants who lodge at 65 in moderate-demand occupations often wait the full two-year EOI validity period without invitation. The fastest ways to lift a score are Superior English (20 points at IELTS 8.0 each band), Australian study and regional study (10 points combined), a Specialist Education Qualification in STEM (10 points), a Professional Year (5 points), partner-skill points (up to 10 points), and NAATI accreditation (5 points).

Does the Core Skills Occupation List used for the Skills in Demand visa apply to subclass 189 or 491?

No. The Core Skills Occupation List was created for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visa on 7 December 2024. For subclass 189 the operative list remains the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). For subclass 491 state nomination, both MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are operative depending on the nominating state. Applicants who read 482-related guidance and assume the Combined Skilled Occupation List applies to a 189 or 491 application are working from the wrong list — verify against the Department's Skilled occupation list before lodging.

How are subclass 491 invitation rounds run?

Federal Department invitations for subclass 189 (Points-tested) follow quarterly invitation rounds in the 2025-26 program year, with smaller per-round allocations and tiered occupation prioritisation. The 13 November 2025 round issued 10,000 invitations to subclass 189 candidates and 300 invitations to subclass 491 (Family Sponsored). State-nominated 491 invitations are issued directly by the state nominating body through SkillSelect and arrive separately from federal Department invitations. Each state runs its own Registration of Interest selection process with state-specific occupation lists, work-experience thresholds, and priority sectors — the federal MLTSSL is a starting filter, not the final filter, for state-nominated 491.

What is the 60-day window after invitation?

Once SkillSelect issues an invitation to apply, the applicant has 60 days to lodge a complete visa application through ImmiAccount, pay the visa application charge, and submit Form 80, Form 1221, and all supporting documents. Late lodgement causes the invitation to lapse — the applicant must then wait for a new invitation in a subsequent round, with no guarantee of a fresh invitation. Applicants should have their documents ready at EOI submission so the 60-day window is comfortable, not stressful.

What does 'designated regional area' actually cover for the subclass 491?

Designated regional area excludes only Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle, Geelong, and the entire rest of Australia outside the three excluded metros are designated regional. Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are also considered regional and case-by-case exceptions apply for border communities. This is broader than many applicants assume from common usage of 'regional' — most state capitals other than Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne are inside the designated zone.

Has the Administrative Appeals Tribunal been replaced?

Yes. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was established under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024. The ART hears merits reviews of reviewable migration decisions including refusals of subclass 189 and 491 visas. Older guidance referring to AAT should be read as ART for any decision made on or after 14 October 2024. The application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025; time limit for lodging review is generally 28 days from the date of decision for visa applicants in Australia.

When should I apply for a Tax File Number?

Newly arrived subclass 189 grantees and onshore subclass 491 holders should apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO Individual Auto Registration soon after arrival or visa grant. Without a TFN, employers must withhold tax at the top marginal rate plus levy — typically 47% — until the TFN is provided. The TFN is issued by post to the Australian address on the application, typically within 28 days, and connects directly to the superannuation fund and (for eligible permanent residents) Medicare enrolment with Services Australia.

Is the New Zealand or Hong Kong stream of subclass 189 an option for me?

Only in specific circumstances. The New Zealand stream is open only to subclass 444 Special Category visa holders who have been usually resident in Australia for at least five years and can show assessable taxable income at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900) for at least three of the most recent five income years (the most recent income year being one of the three). The Hong Kong stream is open only to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have held a qualifying subclass 457, 482, or 485 visa for at least four years and have been usually resident in Australia for the qualifying period. The Hong Kong stream is exempt from the points test and the skills assessment requirement. Both streams have materially different eligibility from the Points-tested stream.

What happens if my application is refused?

A refused subclass 189 or 491 application can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 28 days of the date of decision (for applicants in Australia). The ART conducts a merits review — it assesses the case afresh rather than reviewing only the legal correctness of the original decision. The application fee is A$3,580; a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds and a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Alternatively the applicant can submit a fresh EOI and reapply — but with the same visa application charge and a potential reset of the invitation waiting time. Specialist migration advice is appropriate before choosing between review and reapplication.

After This Process

  • → Apply for a Tax File Number through the Australian Taxation Office Individual Auto Registration soon after arrival or visa grant
  • → Open a superannuation fund account and notify the employer of the fund choice
  • → For subclass 189 grantees: apply for a Medicare card with Services Australia
  • → For subclass 491 holders: plan housing, employment, and (where applicable) study in the nominating state's designated regional area for the full five-year period
  • → Maintain records of regional residence and taxable income for the eventual subclass 191 Skilled Regional permanent visa application
  • → After four years of permanent residence (including any time on subclass 491 that counts toward the residence calculation), consider citizenship by conferral with the Department of Home Affairs

Sources

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More in Australia

14 sources cited last accessed 2026-05-18

T1 official portal · T2 embassy/consulate · T3 news · T4 community — higher tier wins on conflict. methodology →

  1. T1
    Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 2026-05-18

    Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers without an employer sponsor. Three streams exist (Points-tested, New Zealand, Hong Kong). The Points-tested stream is governed by Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and requires age under 45 at invitation, a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), a positive skills assessment, at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent), satisfaction of Public Interest Criterion 4007 (health) and 4001/4002 (character), and a points score of at least 65 on the points test.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  2. T1
    Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) 2026-05-18

    Subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. State nomination adds 15 points to the EOI. The visa carries condition 8579: the holder and dependants must live, work, and where applicable study in a designated regional area. After three years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, holders may apply for the subclass 191 Skilled Regional permanent visa.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  3. T1
    Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect Expression of Interest 2026-05-18

    The Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted free of charge through SkillSelect via an ImmiAccount. The EOI is valid for two years from submission and can be updated to reflect new claims (e.g. a higher English score, additional work experience, completion of a Professional Year). The EOI is a pool entry — not an application — and triggers invitations from the Department or from state/territory nominating bodies.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  4. T1
    Federal Register of Legislation — Migration Regulations 1994 2026-05-18

    Migration Regulations 1994 is the federal statutory instrument under the Migration Act 1958 that specifies the points test in Schedule 6D and prescribes the qualifications and number of points for subclasses 189, 190, 489, and 491 in regulation 2.26AC. The pass mark is 65 points.

    legislation.gov.au
  5. T1
    Department of Home Affairs — Points table for subclass 189 2026-05-18

    The points-test pass mark is 65 points for invitation eligibility, but competitive scores in most occupations sit between 80 and 95+. Points are awarded for age (up to 30), English language (up to 20 for Superior at IELTS 8.0 each band), overseas skilled employment (up to 15), Australian skilled employment (up to 20), educational qualifications (up to 20), Australian study (5), regional study (5), Specialist Education Qualification in STEM (10), Professional Year (5), Credentialled Community Language via NAATI (5), and partner skill (up to 10).

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  6. T1
    Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation list 2026-05-18

    The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the operative occupation list for subclass 189 (Points-tested). For subclass 491 state nomination, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is also operative depending on the nominating state. The single Combined Skilled Occupation List used for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) does not apply to subclass 189 or 491 — MLTSSL/STSOL remain the operative lists for the points-tested General Skilled Migration stream.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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    Department of Home Affairs — Current visa pricing 2026-05-18

    Visa application charges effective from 1 July 2025 following the annual 3% CPI indexation: subclass 189 and 491 primary applicant A$4,910; additional applicant charge approximately A$2,455 per adult aged 18 and over; additional applicant charge approximately A$1,230 per dependent child under 18; second instalment (where payable for English-language shortfall) approximately A$4,890. Annual indexation is scheduled for 1 July each year.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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    Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect invitation rounds 2026-05-18

    For the 2025-26 program year the Department of Home Affairs has moved to quarterly invitation rounds for the Points-tested stream of subclass 189, with smaller per-round allocations and tiered occupation prioritisation. The 13 November 2025 round issued 10,000 invitations to subclass 189 candidates and 300 invitations to subclass 491 (Family Sponsored). State-nominated 491 invitations are issued directly by the state nominating body through SkillSelect, separately from any federal Department invitation.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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    Department of Home Affairs — Skills assessment assessing authorities 2026-05-18

    Skills assessments are obtained from the assessing authority listed alongside each ANZSCO occupation. Common authorities: Australian Computer Society (ACS) for ICT, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS for many general professional and trade occupations, CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for accountancy, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for regulated health professions, Trades Recognition Australia for trade occupations. Skills assessments are typically valid for three years from issue and must be current at time of invitation.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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    Department of Home Affairs — Skilled visa processing priorities 2026-05-18

    Standard processing times for subclass 189 (Points-tested) for the 2025-26 program year: 25% of applications decided in approximately 3 months, 50% in approximately 4–5 months, 75% in approximately 7–9 months, 90% in approximately 12–15 months. Subclass 491 federal decision processing is broadly similar once state nomination is approved. Onshore applicants typically receive faster decisions than offshore applicants due to faster background-check coordination.

    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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    Administrative Review Tribunal — Applying for review: Immigration and citizenship 2026-05-18

    The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was established under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024. The ART hears merits reviews of reviewable migration decisions including refusals of subclass 189 and 491 visas. The application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025 (previously A$3,496); a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds; a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Time limit for lodging review is generally 28 days from the date of decision for visa applicants in Australia.

    art.gov.au
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    Live in Melbourne (Victorian Government) — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) 2026-05-18

    Designated regional area for subclass 491 purposes covers all of Australia except Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle, Geelong, and the entire rest of Australia outside the three excluded metros are designated regional. Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are considered regional and case-by-case exceptions apply for border communities.

    liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
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    NSW Government — Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) 2026-05-18

    NSW operates three nomination pathways for subclass 491: Pathway 1 (working in regional NSW with minimum six months ongoing skilled employment), Pathway 2 (invitation-only), and Pathway 3 (regional study). For the 2025-26 program year NSW closed Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 to new applications after demand exceeded allocation; Pathway 2 remains open. The NSW nomination application fee is A$330.

    nsw.gov.au
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    Australian Taxation Office — Tax File Number application for foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors 2026-05-18

    Newly arrived skilled migrants with a work-rights visa apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) online via the ATO's Individual Auto Registration. TFN issuance is free. Standard processing time: the TFN is posted to the Australian address on the application within 28 days. Without a TFN, employers must withhold tax at the top marginal rate plus levy — typically 47% — until the TFN is provided.

    ato.gov.au
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